Bill regulates pawnbrokers to stem fast sales of stolen property

The Vermont House has given preliminary approval to a wide-ranging bill designed to stem drug abuse and reduce overdose deaths.

The bill expands a state prescription drug database designed to keep patients from getting narcotic drugs from multiple doctors. It contains new "good Samaritan" language that allows someone to call for help about a friend who's overdosing without risking prosecution for drug crimes.

It sets up a new program for safe disposal of prescription drugs. And it creates new regulations for precious-metals dealers designed to cut down on people stealing such items to support drug habits.

One thing the measure does not do is expand police authority to search the prescription drug data base without a warrant, a measure that was debated and died last year.